Spectrum records

The Ball State Gay Alliance/Gay Activists Union was originally formed in 1974. That organization existed until its disbandment in 1978. From 1978 until 1983, there were no student groups specifically serving gay students. In the Spring of 1983, the organization was reactivated to specifically meet the needs of Ball State's gay and lesbian population. In 1986, the organization changed its name to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance. In 1990, the group changed its name again to the Lesbian and Gay Student Association (LGSA) and later to the Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Student Association (LBGSA). By 2000, the organization became known as Spectrum, which it is still called today, in order to reflect the diversity of sexual and gender identities that make up the organization's membership of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.

The mission of Spectrum is to educate the Ball State and Muncie communities on gender, sexual, and romantic minority (GSRM) issues, cultures, and history through various programming efforts. Spectrum's goal is to provide an anonymous, healthy, and safe place for Ball State University students and individuals in the surrounding communities who are discovering their personal identities to help find an understanding network of support.